Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning installed. Many condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows which offer great views but also too much heat and sunlight.
If your house is equipped with ductwork, then central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to told us that if your home does not have any ductwork, then a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an inexpensive and simple method to cool your condo without the need for ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for those with a tight budget or older homes without ductwork. However, they come with certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are confined to cooling one room, which makes them not a great choice for larger homes. It’s also important to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose a security risk, as windows are easily removed and provide easy access to your home.
You may have to put in accordions, or wood, to block out the extra space around the window. Most window units come with a window installation kit that you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve on the outside of the window frame. For larger models with higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to move back and forth on rails, and the sleeve is connected to the frame with brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine what size unit you require to purchase, simply multiply the area of your room by the number of BTUs it requires to be able to cool comfortably. Be aware of whether the room is an area with high-rises or receives a lot more sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it will save you money on energy bills over time. To ensure a longer-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC system. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will eventually be able to pay for itself over the years with lower monthly utilities and a longer lifespan than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling systems that function as space heaters. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a tube or mini-duct will be able to exit an opening to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room, and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. A unit should be sized in accordance with the space it will be used in. The units that are too big won’t keep cool and be worn out more quickly than.
They are typically utilized in apartment buildings as well as converted homes that do not have ducting systems, in which the primary cooling method is through the central AC unit. The use of portable AC units in one or more rooms could reduce the burden on your central system, saving electricity and also money.
The most effective portable units have a dehumidifier setting to decrease humidity. This is a common reason for hot spots, and it can make the space feel uncomfortable. The units should be equipped with washable filters to provide the best performance, as well as remote controls to make the operation simpler. Choose energy STAR certified models to save money and electricity when compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go for a portable model, it’s important to choose the dual-hose model over a single-hose option. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils then blow it out via the other hose. This increases the efficiency and reduces the noise of the unit. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it can be worth it in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They comprise an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units which are connected by thin piping that functions as electrical wires through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a fantastic choice for condos, because they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts cannot. This makes them a great cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often don’t want to cut through walls and floors for ductwork.
In the case of a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it travels through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models which means you can cool your space without disturbing others. Some ductless systems can also provide heating which means you can enjoy all-year-round peace and comfort.
The ductless system is perfect for a variety of spaces including garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also improve the comfort of older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily homes since it is easily adaptable to various types of occupancy patterns.
In addition, a ductless system can be much more energy efficient than traditional systems, since it does not need to force air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electric bills. They are also smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems are a great option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, because they provide superior cooling performance and personalized temperature control. With a filtering system that removes harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality of your apartment. This can aid in avoiding asthma and allergy symptoms while ensuring your condo’s temperature throughout the year. Contact us today if interested in learning more. Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist. We can assess your requirements and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.